News

In a cooperative effort, Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center(SIRCOMM) is pleased to announce the successful implementation of text to 9-1-1 with the Blaine County Emergency Communications and the City of Twin Falls Communications Center. After thorough testing, the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 in Blaine, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, and Twin Falls Counties is now available.

SIRCOMM would like to remind the citizens to keep the following in mind if they send a text message to 911:

Citizens should use the texting option only when calling 911 is not an option. Placing a voice 911 call is still the most efficient way to reach emergency help. Texting is not always immediate, which is critical during a life-threatening emergency. It may take longer to dispatch a first responder for help as messages have to be typed, sent, received and read.

Location information via text to 911 is not as accurate as a voice to 911 calls. Therefore, you must make sure that the 911 dispatcher knows your location.

Text to 911 currently works in the following counties; Blaine, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln and Twin Falls. If you are outside of one of these counties you may or may not have text to 911 services. If you do not have text to 911 services you will receive a message back from your carrier instructing you to place a voice call to 911.

The text to 911 function should only be used for emergency situations that require immediate response from, law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency services should still be communicated to your local 911 through their non-emergency line.

Text to 911 should only be used to communicate between emergency help and the texter. You cannot send pictures, videos or other attachments or other recipients at this time.

For more information please see the PDF included with this news entry.